Exporting from Lightroom Classic Like a Pro: Web, Social, and Print Deliverables

Exporting as a Deliverable (Not Just “Saving a File”)

In Lightroom Classic, Export is where you translate your edited master file into a specific deliverable: a web-ready JPEG, a proofing set for a client, or a print-ready file for a lab. The goal is consistency: predictable color, correct dimensions, appropriate sharpening, and clean file organization—every time.

The Export Checklist (Use This Every Time)

1) File Type: JPEG vs TIFF (and when to use each)

• JPEG: Best for web, social, email, online proofing, and most client deliveries. Smaller files, universally compatible. Uses lossy compression (quality setting matters).
• TIFF: Best for print labs that request it, high-end retouching handoff, or archiving a “delivery master.” Larger files, lossless (or near-lossless depending on settings). Often overkill for typical lab prints unless specified.

Rule of thumb: If the destination is a browser, phone, or client review platform, export JPEG. If a lab explicitly requests TIFF, or you need maximum fidelity for a production workflow, export TIFF.

2) Color Space: sRGB vs Adobe RGB vs ProPhoto (where each belongs)

• sRGB: The safest choice for web and social. Most browsers and apps assume sRGB; exporting in sRGB reduces unexpected dullness or shifts.
• Adobe RGB: Sometimes used for print workflows, but only if the lab/printer explicitly supports it and you have a color-managed pipeline. Otherwise, it can cause muted color when viewed in non-managed apps.
• ProPhoto RGB: Great for internal editing in Lightroom, but generally not a delivery space for clients/web. Many viewers won’t handle it correctly.

Deliverable default: Export sRGB unless you have a documented reason not to.

3) Sizing: Pixels vs Inches (and what actually matters)

• Pixels matter for screens (web, social, proofing). Choose “Resize to Fit” using pixel dimensions (long edge/short edge) to control on-screen size and file weight.
• Inches/cm matter for print intent, but only in combination with resolution (ppi). Many labs still primarily care about pixel dimensions; inches/ppi is your planning tool.

Practical approach: For screen deliverables, specify pixels. For print deliverables, specify inches (or expected print size) and ensure enough pixels for that size.

4) Resolution (PPI): When it matters and when it doesn’t

• For screen: PPI is mostly ignored; pixel dimensions control display size.
• For print: PPI helps define how many pixels are allocated per inch. Common targets: 240–300 ppi for quality prints. Some labs are fine at 200–240 ppi for larger prints viewed at distance.

Tip: If you export a file at 300 ppi but with too few pixels, it won’t magically add detail. Always sanity-check pixel dimensions for the intended print size.

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5) Compression / Quality (JPEG Quality setting)

• Higher quality = larger file, fewer artifacts.
• Lower quality = smaller file, more compression artifacts (banding, blockiness, smeared detail).

Typical working ranges:

• Web/social: Quality 70–85 often balances size and appearance.
• Client proofs: Quality 80–90 for cleaner gradients and skin tones.
• Print JPEG (if lab accepts JPEG): Quality 90–100.

6) Output Sharpening: Screen vs Matte/Glossy Paper

Export sharpening is applied after resizing and is designed to compensate for softening introduced by downsampling or printing.

• Sharpen For: Screen for web/social/proofs.
• Sharpen For: Matte Paper for textured/fine art papers (matte absorbs ink and can look softer).
• Sharpen For: Glossy Paper for glossy/luster papers (holds detail better; sharpening can appear stronger).

Amount: Start with Standard. Use Low if you see halos or crunchy edges; use High only when you’ve tested that paper/printer or the images are consistently soft after printing.

7) Metadata & Copyright Options

Decide what you want embedded in the exported files:

• For public web/social: Consider removing location data and unnecessary metadata. Keep copyright and contact info if desired.
• For client delivery/print lab: Keep basic metadata and copyright; remove location if privacy-sensitive.

In the Export dialog, use the Metadata section to choose options like “Copyright Only” or “All Metadata,” and whether to remove location info. If you use a watermark, keep it subtle for proofs; avoid watermarking print submissions unless requested.

Step-by-Step: Building Exports in Lightroom Classic

Open the Export Dialog and Work Top-to-Bottom

1. Select the final images (Library or Develop).
2. Go to File > Export… (or right-click selection > Export).
3. Work through sections in order: Export Location → File Naming → File Settings → Image Sizing → Output Sharpening → Metadata (and any additional options you use).
4. Click Add (left side) to save the settings as a preset once you’ve tested them.

Naming Conventions: Make Files Self-Describing

A good naming convention prevents confusion when files are emailed, uploaded, or re-downloaded. Aim for: Client_Project_Date_Usage_Sequence.

Examples:

• AcmeHeadshots_2026-01_Web_001.jpg
• JonesWedding_2025-10_Proof_143.jpg
• BrandX_SpringCampaign_Print_05.tif

In File Naming, use a template that includes a custom text field plus sequence numbers. Keep leading zeros (001, 002…) for proper sorting.

Folder Destinations: Keep Exports Separate from Originals

Use a consistent export structure so you can find deliverables quickly and avoid mixing them with source files.

Suggested structure:

Exports/ClientName_ProjectName/01_Web_Social/ Exports/ClientName_ProjectName/02_Proofs/ Exports/ClientName_ProjectName/03_Print_Lab/

In Export Location:

• Choose Specific folder (your Exports directory).
• Enable Put in Subfolder and name it by deliverable type (e.g., 01_Web_Social).
• Choose “Ask what to do” for existing files if you want to avoid accidental overwrites.

Preset Recipes for Common Deliverables

Use these as starting points, then test and adjust based on your images and destination requirements.

Preset 1: Web Gallery (Fast Loading, Consistent Color)

Notes: If your gallery platform recompresses heavily, export slightly larger (e.g., 2560 px) and moderate quality to preserve detail after their processing.

Preset 2: Instagram Feed (Clean Detail, Controlled Size)

Practical tip: If you post both vertical (4:5) and horizontal images, create two presets with different long-edge targets so you’re not resizing manually each time.

Preset 3: Client Proofs (Balanced Quality, Easy Download)

Optional: Add a subtle watermark for proofs if you need it. Keep it consistent and avoid covering key details clients need to evaluate.

Preset 4: Print Lab Submission (Follow Lab Specs First)

Always prioritize the lab’s published requirements. If none are provided, use this conservative baseline.

Example: For an 8×10 inch print at 300 ppi, you want roughly 2400×3000 pixels (orientation dependent). If your crop yields fewer pixels, consider ordering a smaller size or accepting lower ppi based on viewing distance.

Creating Multiple Exports from One Set (Efficient Delivery)

Method A: Export With Presets (Repeat Quickly)

1. Select the final set.
2. Export using your Client Proofs preset to the 02_Proofs folder.
3. Without changing selection, export again using your Instagram preset to the 01_Web_Social folder.
4. Export again using your Print Lab preset to the 03_Print_Lab folder.

This is simple and reliable. The key is having presets that already include destination subfolders and naming templates.

Method B: One-Click Batch via “Export with Previous” (When You’re Confident)

If you’re exporting multiple times with the same settings (e.g., iterating on a proof preset), use File > Export with Previous to avoid reopening the dialog. Use this only when you’re sure the previous settings match the current deliverable.

Method C: Publish Services (When You Need Ongoing Output)

If you regularly deliver to the same destination (e.g., a web gallery or social workflow), consider setting up a publish workflow so Lightroom tracks what’s been exported and what needs updating. Keep publish settings aligned with your export presets to avoid mismatched sizes or color spaces.

Verification Routine: Catch Problems Before the Client Does

Step 1: Inspect Dimensions and File Type

• On your computer, check a few exported files: confirm pixel dimensions (for screen) or inch size + ppi (for print intent).
• Confirm the correct file extension (.jpg vs .tif) and that the files open normally.

Step 2: Check for Color Shifts (Especially on Web/Social)

• Confirm you exported in sRGB for web/social.
• View the exported JPEG in a couple of places: your default viewer and a web browser. If it looks different, you may be seeing a color-management mismatch.
• If colors look dull or odd online, the most common cause is exporting in Adobe RGB/ProPhoto instead of sRGB.

Step 3: Check Sharpening Halos and “Crunchy” Edges

• Zoom to 100% on the exported file (not the Lightroom preview) and inspect high-contrast edges: hairlines, eyelashes, building edges, tree branches.
• Look for bright/dark outlines (halos) or gritty textures.
• If you see halos: reduce Output Sharpening amount (Standard → Low) or reduce the export size less aggressively (extreme downscaling can exaggerate artifacts).

Step 4: Check for Banding and Compression Artifacts

• Inspect smooth gradients (skies, studio backdrops, shadows).
• If you see banding/blockiness: increase JPEG Quality (e.g., 80 → 90) and avoid overly small pixel dimensions.

Step 5: Print-Specific Spot Check (If Possible)

• For a new lab/paper, run a small test print of a representative image.
• If prints look soft: increase output sharpening (Standard → High) or ensure you’re not exporting too small for the print size.
• If prints look too sharp: reduce output sharpening or choose the correct paper type (Matte vs Glossy).

Step 6: Update the Preset (So You Fix It Once)

After you identify the issue, adjust the export settings and overwrite/update the preset so the correction becomes your new default. Add a version suffix if you want to keep both, for example:

• Client Proofs v1 (4000px)
• Client Proofs v2 (3500px, Quality 90)